All Aboard the FiiO K9 Pro Hype Train

[Racheski]

It is time to hype another upcoming product and inevitably be slightly disappointed. The FiiO K9 Pro is a flagship desktop all in one DAC/Amp that has the potential to be an endgame device, if it's priced affordably.

From Head-Fi
SPEC：
1,Linear power supply, supports 115V/230V power supply.
2, AK4499 DAC
3, Supports MQA
4, Customized THX AAA AMP
5,USB DAC support up to 768kHz/32b decoding (DSD512 support)
6,Optical/Coaxial decoding supports up to 96k/192k sample rates respectively (DOP64 supported)
7,Bluetooth with the new QCC51xx series, support LDAC/aptX adaptive/AAC/SBC and other coding formats, support BLE control

Input Interface:
1,Digital inputs: BT/Coaxial/Optical/USB type B/USB type C in
2,Analog input: 4.4mm/RCA

Output Interface:
1. RCA/XLR Line Out
2. XLR/4.4mm/6.35mm Headphone jacks

Other:

• APP Control (anyone used their app before?)
• Big ass volume knob that changes colors depending on sampling frequency or MQA.
• There is a USB type-C input on the side of the device for smartphones that will override the rear type-B input if both are plugged in.
• Limited sales expected in April. Price is still unknown
• I like my BTR5 and the K5 Pro had a positive review, so I'm optimistic FiiO can deliver on this one. Does anyone have a relationship with FiiO so we can get one sent to Amir?

 

[sasij]

Will be keeping an eye on this. Really enjoy both the BTR5 and FH7's I have from them.

 

[mkawa]

launching a new product with an AKM chip??? gutsy...

 

[Racheski]

launching a new product with an AKM chip??? gutsy...

They committed to the chip before the fire, and have stated on Head-Fi they are developing an ESS version that will come out towards the end of summer. Less than 1000 AKM units will be produced.

 

[Racheski]

 

[FireLion]

Only 2700mW @32ohm? That is less than the monoprice. I think 3500-4000mw would be a bit better.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

Looks great, but must have a remote control for volume and ideally input selection. Sadly it looks like it might not.

Perhaps the app will be sufficient as a volume and input control.

Surprisingly difficult to find a device or even DAC + Amp combo (as separate devices) that has:
1. USB input (stream from PC)
2. RCA input (stream from streamer)
3. RCA output (to amplifier #1)
4. XLR output (to amplifier #2)
5. Headphone output
6. Remote control that can control volume on 3/4/5

Not so hard to get 5/6 but 6/6 seems impossible at the moment but this looks like it might be able to do all of it.

 

[Racheski]

Looks great, but must have a remote control for volume and ideally input selection. Sadly it looks like it might not.

Perhaps the app will be sufficient as a volume and input control.

Surprisingly difficult to find a device or even DAC + Amp combo (as separate devices) that has:
1. USB input (stream from PC)
2. RCA input (stream from streamer)
3. RCA output (to amplifier #1)
4. XLR output (to amplifier #2)
5. Headphone output
6. Remote control that can control volume on 3/4/5

Not so hard to get 5/6 but 6/6 seems impossible at the moment but this looks like it might be able to do all of it.

No remote, but you can control volume via their app apparently.

 

[Vini darko]

Looks great, but must have a remote control for volume and ideally input selection. Sadly it looks like it might not.

Perhaps the app will be sufficient as a volume and input control.

Surprisingly difficult to find a device or even DAC + Amp combo (as separate devices) that has:
1. USB input (stream from PC)
2. RCA input (stream from streamer)
3. RCA output (to amplifier #1)
4. XLR output (to amplifier #2)
5. Headphone output
6. Remote control that can control volume on 3/4/5

Not so hard to get 5/6 but 6/6 seems impossible at the moment but this looks like it might be able to do all of it.

Rme adi 2 fs does all of that and more I think. Sure you'd need adaptors for the analog but they are a dime a dozen.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

Rme adi 2 fs does all of that and more I think. Sure you'd need adaptors for the analog but they are a dime a dozen.

The RME is 5/6. Without #2.

The RME doesn't have RCA input, so I would be converting the digital input in the streamer to analog output then converting to digital to push it into the Coax/Optical input of the RME then converting back to analog in the RME for output to an amp.

I can't imagine putting a $15 ADC in the path is going to help matters. Unless there is a good converter that Amir has tested?

Using a topping or SMSL stack gives 5/6. Without #6: the remote control on the amplifier.

 

[Racheski]

Rme adi 2 fs does all of that and more I think. Sure you'd need adaptors for the analog but they are a dime a dozen.

No BT & MQA on the RME (value of these are of course questionable). The big draw is the K9 should be about half the price of the RME.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

No BT & MQA on the RME (value of these are of course questionable). The big draw is the K9 should be about half the price of the RME.

I don't need either BT or MQA so that's not my issue, but having features you don't need now in case you want them later is no bad thing. As long as FiiO get the implementation right I don't even mind if the price is close to the RME.

I guess I am a bit of a FiiO fanboy; I have a BTR5, FH7 and K5 Pro and they are all nicely priced, of pretty decent quality so excellent value and they are available on Amazon so easy returns and peace of mind instead of having to buy direct from AliExpress or Linsoul.

My guess is that it will be around $500, but I would be tempted up to $750.

 

[Vini darko]

The fs version of the rme has analog inputs. They are the balanced multi plug type. A rca to xlr/trs wire costs araound £6-15.

 

[Vict0r]

Now all they need to release is a properly built power amp, with the same dimensions, that you can stack below this one.

I've never been really disappointed with a Fiio product. I've owned quite a bit of their gear throughout the years. Even reviewed their portable guitar amp for Headfonia, years ago.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

The fs version of the rme has analog inputs. They are the balanced multi plug type. A rca to xlr/trs wire costs araound £6-15.

Really? I'd be happy to be contradicted but as far as I can see it's not the case.

 

[Tks]

Really? I'd be happy to be contradicted but as far as I can see it's not the case.

People always confuse the RME DAC, with the Pro version. Either due to ignorance, or due to forgetfulness to fully spell out the model name.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

Well that is the picture from multiple websites so I'm not sure if you are saying I've still got it wrong.

This picture from the RME website itself. I cannot see an analog input.

 

[Tks]

No, I am agreeing that people are not being clear, or they're simply unaware, that the RME ADI-2 Pro line is the one that comes with ADC abilities. Not the DAC.

 

[Deleted member 22141]

Yes indeed I see. It's quite a lot more expensive almost double the price. £880 v £1520

Pretty awesome end-game though.

But arguably this makes the value proposition of the K9 Pro even better, because it's competing against the Pro not the DAC if you need the analog inputs. Of course the RME has all the other awesome stuff it does too.

 

[Vini darko]

Ah I missed a R in the name. For shame